Wichita eagle., 1887-12-27
Daily E eagle
A DRUMMER'S TALE.


drummer" relate any anecdote or incident
that borders on the pathetic The boys gen
erally like to get together in the smoking car
or in tbe steamer cabin or in the slow going
stage coach while en- route, and vie with each
other in telling tales more questionable than
daIectable. At home they are indulgent
fathers. kind hearted husbands and liberal
providers in things substantial and things
that bring happiness to the house. Frequently
VIZ meet men Of this last class who are fore
most in trade Jealous for the interests OF
their firm whose large yearly sales VIII attest
the vigor, the energy, the intelligence with
which they pursue the restless dollar. One
of these gentlemen was recently my COM
panion on tedious journey by stage through
a desolate portion OF western Montana. The
country surrounding us was devoid OF vege-
tation of any description. \ forest fire had
left a few blackened. chaTred pine tree trunks
standing like grim sentinelS over this region
of solitude. Birds and insects, although It
was midsummer, had given the locality
wide berth Once in awhile as we ascended
a grade we could hear the laboriOuS breathing
of the four horses that hauled the numbering
vehicle. Even the driver seemed to be affected
by our melancholy surroundings, for he
poked his head around the side and looked
into the windows and said: Say, gents, amt
this jest h-l."
We both thought it was nearly so.
A long silence ensued, during which MY
companion seemed to be lost in a reverie He
was perhaps 80 years old. His eyes were
mild in expression and blue in color. HIS
forehead, high and expansive, was crowned
with heavy growth of iron gray halr. lie
was Of average stature and build. Add to
this neat fitting suit of navy blue and you
have his description, except q heavy IRON
grav mustache, that gave him a slightly
military appearance He WIS Just such a
man whcfn one would want TO 60 10 when III
trouble or doubt.
Yes. sir" he unused, ''this IS solitude here
in this desert, but then there are times, even
in the midst of populOus city, tha5 one can
feel a deeper desolation, a more lasting soll-
tude ard loneliness than can he experienced
here in this wilderness. In fact, the best part
OF INV life has been one of solitude, and Yet
I had everything that money could buy
friends, business, plenty of occupation-bua
alas, no home, vet lived in O comfortable
house, well kept ard with efficient help
] was growing interested and asked him if
he would tell me all about it ii it would be
agreeable.
Yes" he continued, not seeming to have
noticed my slight interruption, lit viii be
two hours yet before we arrive at Gallatin,
and as we are the only passengers, will re-
late il to you, if you are interested. .
Il am, very much SO" ! replied, ''but if it
makes you feel unhappy 70 dwell upon the
account of it, perhaps We better change the
subject"
Thank You" said he, "but as the subject
OF my story is now pleasantly situated IN
life. with . prosperous and devoted husband
and bright little child, and vita all the
comforts Of a happy home, it will not distress
ne nor interfere with my good appetite to
tell il.
The event in question occurred over
twenty years ago, in the city of Chicago ]
then lived near the corner Of Michigan avenue
and Twelfth street, and was engaged in the
grain commission business. l also owned a
fifth interest in a foundry engaged in the
manufacture OF light castings 1 owned the
home we lived in My wife was the only
daughter OF one of the earliest settlers in the
city. We were much devoted to each other,
and, take it altogether, l was considered
quiet prosperous for young man. \ little
girl was born to US, ard for about
five years nothing occurred TO mar
our happiness. Ny wife would meetmc every
night with . smile and Il loving carcss She
was very affectionate in her disposition. and
j am very thankful to remember that ! never
gave her 2 cross worG or i0oll while she lived.
In the meantime our little Mabel was growing
into a sweet child, aud was loved hy all who
came in contact with her. Her gentle bear
ing, her good temper and her generous nature
itraits that one would not look for in one of
her tender years. won her hosts Of friends.
Here is her picture rs she appeared then"
Aud he handed lie q small photograph from
an inner pocket. Il was the picture OF very
pretty, intelligent looking child. Her features
were regular, the face being oval in shape
and the mouth rather small The eyes with
long iaShes, were looking upward; a head of
golden hair surmounted this remarkably beau
tiful face. On the chiid's breast. suspended
by gold necklace was a handsome diamond
cross. The picture itself, in point Of artistic
skill. was splendidly executed
We'll, my companion resumed. as he care
fully replaced the picture. time went On,
and as Mabel grew Older it was her custom
TO meet me near the house on my return
home from my office
AT the end of one pleasant day in Septem.
Der | closed my desk. and glancing at nav
watch, SAW, 20 ms annoyance. that l was
twenty or twenty-five minEtCS behind nv
usual going home time ! hurri"dv left and
hailing a passing car. WAS soon walking
toward the house on Michigan avenue. |
noticed that Mabel did not meet me, and
supposed she, was in the house with her
mother.
The servant opened the door for me, and
immediately inquired for Mabel | brushed
past her and went into The dining room. whore
my wife was just sitting at the table to pour
the tea.
"One glance between Us, and simultaneously
We asked, Where, Mabclr
she went % meet you fully twenty min
utes ago said my wife, rapidly. As She
arose, We both rushed 10 the door ! seized
ny hat and ran 70 the gate, looked UP and
down the street, then opened the gate and
walled hulTiedly to a group of children play
ing near bv.
"'Oh. A!r. Clark. lea GIabel come and play
with us cried one little gilL
4 don't know where Mabel is rcrEai ],
vacantly.
ls"The child had never been out Of sight of
her mother or myself, ana as did not find
her with the children my anxiety and fears
increased suddenly thought of the dia-
mond cross, which, by the WAY. yog might
have noticed II the picture. THIS cross was
tho Sift oi NY own mother 10 Mabel N her
viii. The child was very proud OF it. AIT, we
allowed her To wear II oncc IN a while. but
never out of her parents sight Clos ques,
tioning developed the fact that one OF the
servants had placed this cross on Mabers
meek that afternoon. The cross and necklace
were worth over one thousand dollars Here,